Jasmine Chase

Originally from Ottawa, ON, Jasmine graduated from the University of Calgary in 2020 with an BSc in Geology and subsequently began her Masters in geochemistry at UBC in 2021. At UBC, she is a part of the Pacific Centre for Isotope and Geochemical Research (PCIRG) and focus on environmental applications of geochemistry. Specifically, she is interested in the way metals move through our environment, notably those that are introduced as a result of anthropogenic actions. Her thesis work focuses on measuring lead isotopes and trace metal concentrations in Pacific salmon in order to trace the movement of fishes and identify lead pollution by the comparison of isotopic ratios to known sources around the Pacific. She is also involved in pilot work measuring trace metal concentrations and lead isotopes in human baby teeth; testing analytical methods and ensuring the feasibility of good quality data collection from samples using instruments at the PCIGR.

Her research focuses on environmental pollution as an extrinsic factor to human health by detecting harmful metals in marine biota in order to identify their origins (both naturally occurring and anthropogenic). The results of this work have implications for regulating pollution sources that might adversely affect human populations and monitoring the metal concentrations in our food chains. Furthermore, she and her team are working on adapting the analytical techniques for collection of metal concentrations and lead isotopes in human deciduous teeth which will allow us to collect metal concentration data with a temporal factor that leads to the unique tracing of these elements in individuals through gestation and early childhood.

As a women in STEM work she feels strongly about creating positive, accessible spaces for traditionally underrepresented peoples. She has been involved in local projects connecting young girls in schools to women in STEM to increase visibility, and hopes to continue to do so here as a graduate student at UBC. Environmental geochemistry interests her because of the widespread implications about human health, and the disproportionate effect environmental pollution has on low-income areas.